Serge & Ben
In this episode of One Gang Worldwide, we sit down with Brett Tekavec, a man who has experienced the Harley-Davidson world from all angles, starting as a bike washer in Cleveland and eventually owning two successful dealerships in DC and Ohio. Brett shares his journey from early passions and diverse job roles to becoming a district manager for Harley-Davidson Motor Company and finally taking the bold step of dealership ownership. He discusses the challenges faced along the way, the importance of listening and creating memorable experiences for customers, and the impact of financial acumen in running a successful business. Brett also touches on industry insights, the need for new customer engagement strategies, and his interactions with Harley-Davidson's new CEO, which bring hope for a better future for the brand and its dealers.
00:00 Introduction to Brett
01:27 Icebreaker Questions
07:41 Brett's Early Years
12:15 First Job at Southeast Harley Davidson
16:07 Climbing the Ladder
17:30 Transition to Harley Davidson Motor Company
22:18 Becoming a Business Owner
26:54 A Funny High School Story
27:43 College and Career Journey
28:06 Financial Advice for Aspiring Dealership Owners
29:44 Queen City Harley-Davidson Era
31:04 Selling the Dream, Not Just the Machine
33:23 Challenges in the Motorcycle Dealership World
35:56 Harley-Davidson's Market Dynamics
42:50 New CEO and Future Prospects
54:31 Advice for Aspiring Business Owners
56:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Connect with Brett:
Website: https://www.npda.org/board-of-directors-2025/brett-tekavec
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-tekavec-mba-59694018/
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